Hunt for Leeds rail fare dodger who attacked station staff member

Stuart Robinson

A FARE dodger who jumped the barriers at Leeds train station before assaulting a 65-year-old member of staff who challenged him is being hunted by rail cops.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to in connection with the incident.

PC Derek Woolley, the investigating officer, told the YEP: “A member of staff at the station noticed a man jump the ticket barriers leading onto the platforms from the main concourse.

“He approached the man and asked to see his ticket. The man became verbally abusive and subjected the victim to a tirade of foul language before walking away.

“The victim, aged 65, then followed the man up the escalator to in a bid to stop him, but was pushed by the man, who continued to verbally abuse him.”

Police say they are chasing a number of leads in the wake of the incident, which happened on October 11 just after 11.30pm.

PC Woolley added: “Staff should be free to carry out their jobs without being abused or intimidated. BTP does not tolerate staff assaults of any kind and we will work to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.

“If you recognise the man, or know his whereabouts, then please get in touch.”